Colorado Vape Insurance Policy Information

Colorado Vape Insurance. Vaping - smoking e-cigarettes - has become one of the biggest trends across the country in recent years. Due to the rise in popularity of vaping, many entrepreneurs are finding incredible success by opening up vape shops. These shops provide all of the products and accessories that are needed for vaping, including various types of electronic cigarettes and an array of liquids that are infused with nicotine (often referred to as e-liquid or e-juice), batteries, filters, and some even sell traditional cigars, cigarettes, and other tobacco-related products.

However, despite the popularity of vaping and how wildly successful operating a vape shop can be, there are certain risks that are associated with running this type of business. If you are thinking about jumping on the vape shop bandwagon, you need to make sure that you are well-protected. Colorado vape insurance can offer you the protection that is needed for most legal claims and liabilities that you could be held at fault for.

E-cigarette stores sell battery-operated devices called electronic cigarettes or vaporizer cigarettes, which are used to simulate the experience of smoking. The device consists of a heater, a container of liquid and an atomizer. The liquids are flavored with varying levels of nicotine. Many flavors are nicotine free. The device heats the liquid and the atomizer releases vapor which the user inhales as with a cigarette. While most have refillable or replaceable cartridges and rechargeable batteries, some devices are disposable.

E-cigarettes do not produce smoke since there is no combustion. The vaporized emissions are believed to have fewer toxic components than the smoke generated by traditional cigarettes. For these reasons, E-cigarettes are being promoted as a safer alternative to traditional smoking, and as a smoking cessation aid by those unable to quit or reduce their consumption of traditional cigarettes by other means. E-cigarettes are generally unregulated at this time, but the FDA has proposed that they extend their authority to cover these due to the use of nicotine. Other public health officials have expressed concerns about the concentrations of nicotine used in various vaporizers, that E-cigarettes may carry a risk of addiction in those who do not already smoke, that they could be a starting point for nicotine use for teens and pre-teens, and that they may pose a risk to fetuses.

Colorado vape insurance (e-cigarette insurance) protects your company from lawsuits with rates as low as $77/mo. Get a fast quote and your certificate of insurance now.

Why Vape Insurance Is Important

While stores that sell tobacco products, including cigars and cigarettes, are legally protected by tobacco companies, vape shops are different. Since e-cigarettes, liquids, and the other products that are used for vaping aren't tobacco-based, CO vape shops are not offered the same protection as stores that offer cigars and cigarettes. And though e-cigarettes and vape products are certainly popular, they are still relatively new, which means that the companies that manufacture these products aren't well-established and as such, they don't have the necessary resources to protect vape shops from legal problems.

In other words, those who operate vape shops are legally responsible for the products that they sell. Should any problems with those products arise, store owners could be looking at serious financial troubles. For this reason, it is important for CO vape shop owners to purchase a specialized Colorado vape insurance policy.

Vape Products, E-Cigs & Legal Liability Issues

A customer comes to your store when they want to buy e-cigarette cartridges, batteries, PVs, e-juice or other types of vape products. What happens if a customer slips and falls and gets hurt when they are in your shop? Or what if one of the vape products you sell causes bodily injury or property damage? If you don't have the right Colorado vape insurance, it could cost you thousands of dollars or more in legal fees and expenses that have the potential to put you out of business.

There are several types of legal issues that vape shops could face. Some of these issues are:

Health Issues: The majority of people who vape were once smokers. The health issues that are related to smoking cigarettes and cigars are well understood; however, the health risks associated with vaping are still not quite clear. Since suing tobacco companies for compensation as a result of tobacco-related products is virtually impossible as a result of strict liability, many of those who use vape products will attempt to sue vape companies.

Since the manufacturers of products that are used for vaping do not offer protection for vape shops, those who suffer tobacco-related illnesses can certainly allege that their health conditions were caused by vaping. The legal fees that are associated with such a lawsuit - even if you are innocent - can be astronomical.

Product Liability: Batteries and screens are used to operate e-cigarettes, and issues with these products have occurred. In fact, you've probably seen news headlines that have stated e-cigarettes have blown up in users' faces. While the majority of vaping products are made with exceptional care and pass numerous safety inspections, there is a chance that a product could be faulty. Should that happen, the owner of the vape shop that sold the defective product could be held liable and serious financial repercussions could be associated with a lawsuit.

What Is Vape Insurance?

Colorado vape insurance is a specialty type of commercial general liability insurance that is designed specifically for CO vape shops. It also offers coverage for premises liability. Examples of situations that a vape insurance policy would provide protection against include:

Someone files a lawsuit against a CO vape shop, claiming that a health condition is related to the use of a vape product.

The battery on an e-cigarette explodes while someone is using it, resulting in a serious injury.

Someone sues a vape shop after their loved one has passed away due to a tobacco-related illness and claims that a vape-product was the cause of the illness.

In any of these instances, CO vape insurance would provide the financial coverage that is needed to protect a vape shop and the owner of the establishment.

Colorado Vape Shop's Risks & Exposures

Premises liability exposure comes from slips and falls due to public access to the premises. All stock should be on shelves that are easily accessible to customers. Floor coverings should be in good condition, no frayed or worn spots on carpet and no cracks or holes in flooring. Steps and uneven floor surfaces should be prominently marked. Sufficient exits must be provided and be well marked, with backup lighting systems in case of power failure.

Parking lots and sidewalks need to be in good repair with snow and ice removed, and generally level and free of exposure to slips and falls. If the business is open after dark, there should be adequate lighting and appropriate security for the area.

Products liability exposure is currently unknown as no long-term scientific studies have yet been completed evaluating the effects of E-cigarettes on human health. Importing of devices from foreign manufacturers could result in the store being held liable as the manufacturer. A problem with batteries exploding while in pockets and on chargers has been identified. Although it is a manufacturer-related issue, the retailer should be aware and provide information on how to store the batteries in order to prevent such explosions.

Workers compensation exposures are due to lifting that can cause back injury, hernias, sprains, and strains, and from slips and falls. Employees should be provided with safety equipment, trained on proper handling techniques, and have conveying devices available to assist with heavy lifting. As in any retail operation, holdups can occur. Employees must be trained to respond appropriately.

Property exposures are low because ignition sources are limited to electrical wiring and heating and cooling equipment. These should be well maintained and meet current codes for the occupancy. Should a fire occur, substantial fire and water damage may result due to the susceptibility of the stock. Theft is a concern due to the novelty of E-cigarettes. There should be appropriate theft controls such as alarms, lighting, and physical barriers to prevent access to the premises after hours. Battery explosion is a possibility so all manufacturers' warning labels should be read and batteries stored as suggested.

Crime exposures are from employee dishonesty and loss of money and securities either from holdup or safe burglary. Background checks should be conducted on all employees handling money. There must be separation of duties between persons handling deposits and disbursements and handling bank reconciliations. Money should be regularly collected from cash drawers and moved away from the collection area, preferably to a safe on premises. Bank drops should be made throughout the day to prevent a buildup of cash on the premises.

Inland marine exposures are from accounts receivable if the store offers credit, computers to transact sales and monitor inventory, and valuable papers and records due to customers' and vendor's records. Backup copies of all records, including computer records, should be made and stored off premises.

Commercial auto exposure is generally limited to hired and non-owned liability for employees running errands. If there are any owned vehicles, drivers should have a valid license and acceptable MVR. Any vehicles must have regular maintenance with records kept.

E-Cigarette Coverage Options

If you are thinking about opening a vape shop, before you do, don't forget to apply for and purchase vape/e-cigarette insurance. It really is the best way to keep your business - and yourself - protected from legal liability.

Colorado Economic Data & Business Insurance Information

If you're thinking about doing business in Colorado, it's important to familiarize yourself with the economic status of the state, as well as the regulations and limits regarding insurance for businesses. Below, we offer insight into pertinent economic data related to the state of Colorado, as well as key business insurance information so that you can put your best foot forward and make the best decisions for your business in the Centennial State.

Business Economic Trends In The State Of Colorado

According to recent reports from the leading economic researchers, the state of Colorado has a healthy outlook, economically speaking. While fewer jobs will be added in 2018 than have been in recent years, the growth rate is still expected to climb.

It's anticipated that entrepreneurs who are really interested in taking risks in new ventures will be the leading contributors for the state's economic growth. However, less risky industries will lend to the economy, as well, such as cloud computing and cybersecurity.

In regard to the fuel industry, it is anticipate that there will be an increase in valuation of about 9 percent in the year 2018, and this growth pertains mainly to gas and oil. This increase will largely be due to the improvement in energy prices, which are lower this year than they have been in recent years. It's hopeful that energy prices will continue to fall so that these industries can continue to thrive.

In terms of agriculture, it's projected that farms in the state of Colorado will do a little better this year than they did in 2017. Leading economic research agencies are expecting that the income from agriculture will reach nearly $1.4 billion in 2019.

In regard to the retail market, it is also expected that this industry will see steady growth, despite the rising trend of e-commerce solutions. In fact, it's estimated that the rate of employment in the retail sector will increase by as much as 2.1 percent during the 2019 fiscal year.

Regulations And Limits For CO Commercial Insurance

The Colorado Division of Insurance regulates insurance in Colorado. CO is considered a "fault state", meaning that business owners are not legally required to carry liability insurance; however, liability coverage is the type of commercial insurance that is most commonly purchased in the state. Commercial liability insurance covers business owners and their clients for things like bodily and personal injury, commercial property damage, and injuries that pertain to advertising injuries.

The only commercial insurance that business owners are required to carry is workers' compensation insurance. Any business that employees an hourly or wage staff must carry this type of coverage to protect their employees.

Additional Resources For Retail Insurance

Read valuable small business retail insurance policy information. In a retail business, you need to have the right type of commercial insurance coverage so that your store, employees, and inventory are protected.

Retail stores are susceptible to premises liability claims because of customer traffic, but large department and specialty stores are more susceptible than most.

All retail stores have significant property exposures. The on-hand stock represents a considerable investment, but the amount on hand fluctuates seasonally. For this reason, physical damage insurance on this property must be arranged carefully. When the insured occupies a non-owned building, insurance coverage must be arranged for the insured's interest in extensive improvements and betterments made to the premises.

Crime insurance, in the form of employee theft and money and securities coverage, is also very important.

The businessowners policy was designed with retail exposures and operations in mind. For this reason alone, it should always be the first type of package coverage to consider. However, for those risks not eligible for the business owners policy program, the commercial package policy (CPP) is a practical and convenient way to combine a number of coverages into one policy.

Retail businesses generate income through interaction with customers. This interaction is also how a customer can sustain an injury and then sue the retailer for damages. Hazards, exposures and operations both on premises and off are important and must be covered, but liability the retailer may incur because of the merchandise sold must also be considered and insurance protection arranged.

Inventory or stock is the major property exposure for most retail operations. Because stock values tend to fluctuate or have significant peaks at certain times of the year, value reporting or peak season valuation options should be considered. Business income coverage, including business income from dependent properties coverage, may mean the difference between a retail operation staying in business or being forced into bankruptcy following a loss.

When the insured occupies a non-owned building, insurance coverage must be arranged for the insured’s interest in extensive improvements and betterments made to the premises.

Most retail businesses offer endless opportunities for a variety of criminal activities. For this reason, the coverages needed must be carefully evaluated. Holdup and robbery losses may be the most obvious concerns but employee theft, fraud and counterfeit money losses are also serious issues that cannot be dismissed.

Retail businesses are gaining greater exposure to international issues because of the growth in sales via the internet. As these sales increase, the added exposures faced by these retailers must be evaluated. While their operating horizons are expanding so are their potential loss exposures.

Also learn about Colorado small business insurance requirements for general liability, business property, commercial auto & workers compensation including CO business insurance costs. Call us (720) 500-2051.

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